Engineering DNA for Interfacing Redox Protein with Read-Out

摘要

The objective of this seed project was the design and integration of biomolecules with nanoelectronic circuitry, using proteins and novel molecular linkers between the proteins and the nanodevices. Proteins under consideration included redox and photosynthetic proteins, while the potential conductive molecular linkages include conductive DNA with intercalated metallic ions (M- DNA). The ability to detect sensitively a variety of compounds and integrate the signals into intelligent circuitry is a precursor step to operating such a system in the reverse direction, that is, for the electronically controlled stimulation and release of proteins or other biochemicals to trigger a specific, local and controllable biomolecular reaction. The possibilities of controlling the activation of particular biological events, such as transcription or production of critical mediating proteins in response to detection of mutagens or release of encapsulated antidote antigens upon sensing of toxins, illustrate the additional innovative uses that can result from this project. This seedling project formed the foundation for our team to launch parallel and collaborative research threads aimed at addressing the key challenges and demonstrating several linker technologies for a range of target biomolecules.